Conservative MP, Jack Lopresti, is calling for a review in to the police’s powers to evict travellers.

The politician who represents Filton and Bradley Stoke has written to the Home Office and the department of Communities and Local Government asking for a review in to police enforcement of traveller camp evictions.

The move comes after two public areas in his constituency - Forty Acres and the Tumps – were occupied by an illegal traveller camp for ten days last month.

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Under section 61 of Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, police officers have the power to evict anyone caught trespassing on public land if they are using threatening or antisocial behaviour or if a group has six or more vehicles between them on the land.

Many residents complained of antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping on several occasions and told the Bristol Post they were frustrated at the length of time it took police, South Gloucestershire Council and Stoke Gifford Parish Council to evict the travellers.

In response to calls and letters from constituents and local councillors, Mr Lopresti said he is concerned police are not properly enforcing their powers.

Jack Lopresti is calling for a review in to police powers to evict travellers

In a letter to Amber Rudd, Secretary of State to the Home Office, he asked what steps she was taking to monitor constabularies.

He said: “I committed myself to investigating what can be done to ensure that there is not repeat of the incidents we have seen at Forty Acres and the Tumps.

“I would like to see a review of how section 61 measures are enforced across the country to ensure that police forces act consistently and justice does not depend on where you live.”

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The Conservative MP has also highlighted the fact South Gloucestershire does not have a designated traveller site, meaning police are unable to offer travellers an alternative location within the council boundaries.

The council runs two authorised permanent traveller sites that are oversubscribed, but there are closest transit or emergency site is in Avonmouth.

“I have asked the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government his opinion on the provision of transit sites in South Gloucestershire as there are currently none, which means the police do not have the authority to move an illegal camp onto an approved transit site,” Mr Lopresti said.

“I await responses to my written questions and will update my constituents of the Government’s response.”

Mr Lopresti has also organised a meeting with Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Police, Sue Mountstevens, in which he said he will ask that the police to "do more to protect the public and their property".